Two new identity theft scams

Ottawa Police Service is advising the public about two new identity theft scams:

1.

The Ottawa Police Service would like to make the public aware about a scam whereby phone calls are received from the “Marriott Hotel”. People are being asked for personal information over the phone.

Marriott International is aware that people have been receiving calls about a “free Marriott Hotel rooms” prize. The Marriott takes privacy and security seriously and assures you that this call is a scam and did not come from Marriott International or any of its affiliates.

The Ottawa Police would like to remind the public that no personal identification or banking information, including credit card information, should ever be given over the phone to strangers. As well, you cannot “win” a prize for a contest that you have not entered.

Anyone with information regarding this type of identity fraud is asked to call the Ottawa Police Fraud Unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 5433. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or by downloading the Ottawa Police iOS app.

2.

The Ottawa Police Organized Fraud Section is sharing information about a new scam that may be used to steal your identity.

In this scam, a victim is contacted by letter in regular mail delivery. The letter claims that a company registered with the victim’s home address, is in arrears in their bills to a second company, and that the company is now demanding payment. The victim – who does not have any knowledge of the company – begins to suspect that their identity has been stolen to set up said company.

The letter has a contact number for more details. When the victim calls this number, he/she will speak to a “clerk” and asked to provide an Identification number, which is printed on the already received letter. The “clerk” then claims to be able to pull up more information about the matter and e-mails the victim a form titled as “ID Theft Affidavit”.

This form asks the victim to provide personal information, including date of birth, SIN and Drivers License numbers and photocopies of photo ID. The bottom of the form typically states: “Do Not Send Affidavit to the FTC or any other Government Agency”. This strange statement should raise alarm bells with readers.

“The Ottawa Police want to warn the public about providing personal information to “ghost” companies,” said Fraud Unit Staff Sergeant Stephanie Burns. “When in doubt, contact a credit company to determine if there are any discrepancies in your credit history.”

Anyone with information regarding this type of identity fraud is asked to call the Ottawa Police Fraud Unit at 613-236-1222, ext.5433. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or by downloading the Ottawa Police iOS app.

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